thanks guys, now I think I will look more deeply into how "wajhu" is used, throughout. This was the one verse that just kept confusing the hell out of me.

Peace,
Z

Thanks again !

Anything else you come up with, post it please!!

A symbolic mark on a symbolic face, due to symbolic prostration?

I see where mark can be a characteristic, but what about on the face, and it being due to prostration, or "'to hear & obey' / 'respond positively' / prostrate (mindset) / lowly/humble/submissive".

I can't figure out how they can all relate.

Thanks guys,
Peace,
Z

Also wondering if any of you came across the book "mohammed Prophet of Doom" by Craig Winn? I came across it in Borders the other day, I can't begin to tell you how ridiculously ignorant it was. I can't beleive someone would actually publish something like that!

Peace,
Z

Ansar,

Noone here secretly thinks they are an Imam, and noone here secretly believes they are. We come here to seek ideas from others and we VERIFY THEM OURSELVES. Allah is our guide.
Anyway the idea of an Imam seems contradictory to what most of us seem to believe.
You seem like you have a vendetta or something.

Peace,
Z

Just wondering,

When someone asks you why you are a muslim, whats your reasoning? What makes you believe that the Message (Quran) is authentic is truly the word of God?
Just wanted to know what you guys believe, since the first step in being a muslim is knowing why.

Peace,
Z

Hey I'm still stuck on "alsujoodi" an "rukkaAAan sujjadan". I can see where it can mean

"'to hear & obey' / 'respond positively' / prostrate (mindset) / lowly/humble/submissive."

But when seeing this verse

(YA) Muhammad is the apostle of God; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from God and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward. (4829)

Muhammadun rasoolu Allahi waallatheena maAAahu ashiddao AAala alkuffari ruhamao baynahum tarahum rukkaAAan sujjadan yabtaghoona fadlan mina Allahi waridwanan seemahum fee wujoohihim min athari alssujoodi thalika mathaluhum fee alttawrati wamathaluhum fee al-injeeli kazarAAin akhraja shat-ahu faazarahu faistaghlatha faistawa AAala sooqihi yuAAjibu alzzurraAAa liyagheetha bihimu alkuffara waAAada Allahu allatheena amanoo waAAamiloo alssalihati minhum maghfiratan waajran AAatheeman(4829)

I can't see where "'to hear & obey' / 'respond positively' / prostrate (mindset) / lowly/humble/submissive." can leave marks on a persons face.
We know that some people who pray the traditional way, get a sort of scafed or bruisish mark on their foreheads. Is this not the same thing?

Any comments, especially from Wakas and Idolfree, since I know you both have been actively researching salaat, would be super.

Peace, Z

What is the correst translation of Sujood or Alsujoodi, if it does not mean prostration?

Peace, Z

In many translations I've come across verses where the Quran says "you" and right after it in parenthesis it say (mohammed) or (prophet). Since the reading is for everyone for all time, isn't the "you" the person who is reading?
Any insight?

Peace, Z

Salaam,
Just wondering if anyone here has read this book "Why I am a muslim?" by Asma Gull Hasan, or for that matter read any of her books?
Any insight? What did you think?

Thanks, Z

Salaam, )

So this is the question.

If nothing happens without the will of God, yet we have free will, are the sins we commit known already? Which could go on further to asking is our place in heaven or hell, or judgement already known?

Many people answer by saying that we are given a number of choices which are predetermined by God, and we must use our free will to make these choices. Yet still the choices we make, doesn't God already know what they are going to be?

I have heard only one explanation which can somewhat explain this, but it isn't easy to grasp too well, so I just wanted to ask what you all thought.

Thanks,
Zarmina )
PS Any progressive muslim communities or people in NY? I think getting together with people with open minds will encourage growth of knowledge and open minds further. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

Salaam,
I'm from the New York area, and have been wanting to get together a monthly meeting for Islamic discussion. I'm a person that believes solely in the Quran, and I think collective minds and research will create more awareness. Opening our hearts is the key. So if any of you guys from New york are interested or think it's a good idea, maybe we can get a community hall or something, invite the "hadith only folks..hehe", and make it a learning experience.
Just an Idea,
Z